Experimenting with coffee beverages is nothing new to the industry. For as long as we can remember, people have been altering the recipe to their favourite coffee drink with a variety of ingredients.
The habit of adding fats to coffee is an interesting one not only from a culinary standpoint but also in the way it’s a resurgence of ancient tradition. Records suggest that in Ethiopia, clarified butter/ ghee has been added to coffee since the 9th century. Whereas in Tibet, yak butter was used in tea first before being added to coffee.
In recent times, this trend has made a comeback and is being spurred on by keto and paleo diets.
Olive oil, butter, ghee, and coconut oil are the 4 types of fats typically mixed with coffee. Let’s see which one suits you best!
Olive Oil in Coffee
The first instance of mixing olive oil in coffee can be attributed to an American coffee chain that launched a special line of beverages in 2023.
Olive oil is a staple in the Mediterranean region. This series of beverages was inspired by the CEO’s trip to Sicily where he observed the traditional practice of having a spoonful of olive oil first thing in the morning before even having coffee.
These days, you’ll typically find olive oil added to a cold brew or an espresso. It gives the coffee a silky, buttery, and somewhat savoury taste. Of course, depending on the brand of olive oil chosen, certain aspects of the cup profile may be heightened.
If you’re new to adding fats to coffee, you could start with this one as it’s less heavy than ghee or butter. It also introduces healthy monounsaturated fats and antioxidants to the cup.
Butter in Coffee
You may have heard of “bulletproof coffee”. This trend is all about adding unsalted grass-fed butter and MCT oil for increased satiety, a burst of energy, and reduced cravings.
Owing to Dave Asprey’s Bulletproof brand, this trend became all the rage in 2010. However, the Ethiopians and Tibetans have been doing so for centuries.
While not recommended for people with digestion issues, butter in coffee is sometimes consumed in place of breakfast. It is a popular fad amongst people who engage in intermittent fasting.
So what does butter in coffee taste like? It makes the coffee creamy, rich, and frothy.
Coconut Oil in Coffee
Coconut oil is used in Ayurveda for its energy-boosting properties. It is a source of MCTs, i.e. medium-chain triglycerides which are considered fuel for the brain.
You can already see why this trend grew in popularity, can’t you? The paleo and keto lifestyles meant that people would add coconut oil to their coffee for its health benefits.
It brings out a sweetness in the coffee while being subtle and creamy. You might also notice a mild coconut flavour but it usually pairs well with the flavour profile of the coffee and doesn’t stand out.
Those who are looking for a vegan alternative or plant-based option for fats should definitely try coconut oil. It is best mixed with coffee that has been roasted to a medium or dark level.
If not mixed well, it can leave an oily film on the surface.
Ghee in Coffee
A crucial component of Asian cooking, ghee is also known as clarified butter. It lends a rich, nutty taste to Indian cooking and Ayurvedic medicines,
Ghee has an element called butyrate which is important for gut health and has anti-inflammatory properties.
It has a smoother taste compared to butter and makes the texture of coffee creamy, enhancing the nuttiness in it. You’ll experience a silky mouthfeel as you sip on ghee coffee.
Ghee has less lactose so it may be more suitable for people with lactose sensitivity.
While this isn’t for everyone, it’s worth the consideration for the benefits and the unique twist to your regular cup of joe.
Remember to use high-quality fats and blend them into the brew rather than just stirring it in. That way, the texture of the coffee will be more palatable. You can also try adding some spices to the mix like vanilla, cinnamon, or nutmeg.
We hope this blog post has helped you decide whether to try adding fats to your coffee or not.